Forum to examine Springs’ high suicide rate

Pikes Peak Behavioral Health Group is exploring the reasons behind the Colorado Springs’ high suicide rate during a day-long panel event from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. May 20 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 2886 S. Circle Drive.

The event will feature a panel of local and state suicide experts as well as a community planning session for prevention. The Keynote speaker is Thomas Joiner, Ph.D., a Bright-Burton Professor of Psychology at Florida State University and author of Why People Die by Suicide.

Colorado Springs has the second highest suicide rate of 53-similar sized cities, They cost to the city about $4 million annually.

“Contributing to El Paso County’s suicide rate is its large proportion of veterans,” said Behavioral Health CEO Morris L. Roth. “Which make up about 18 percent of the Colorado Springs adult population and account for almost one-third of the total suicides in El Paso County in recent years.”

Most suicides occur downtown or in the central metropolitan districts.

Pikes Peak Behavioral Health Group is charged with lowering the suicide rate, and is asking for community involvement in the forum.

The cost to attend is $30. Call Sharon Hunnicutt at 314-4309 for more information.

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